2012 BMW 3 Series Values

Select a 2012 BMW 3 Series trim level

Fresh off of last year's redesign, the 2012 BMW 3 Series is a compact entry-level luxury vehicle offered in sedan, coupe, convertible (hardtop), and sport wagon trim levels. All trims are available as a base 328i that utilizes a standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder twin-turbo charged engine that produces 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Sedan, coupe, and convertible trims offer an optional 335i trim powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 300 hp (convertible trim also offers a 335is trim that yields 320 hp.) An additional engine offered is an optional 3.0-liter twin turbo V6 diesel engine (335d) that produces 265 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options consist of a 6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters, and a 7-speed double clutch automatic. All trims, with the exception of the convertible level, offer AWD. Features include premium sound, navigation, automatic cruise control, and iPhone/iPod integration. Safety is comprised of dynamic stability control, enhanced braking, advanced airbags, and xenon adaptive headlights. The 3 series is backed by a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty.

2012 model year changes

For 2012, the BMW 3-series gets a redesigned sedan model, while the coupe, convertible and wagon return with few changes. An automatic transmission is now a no-cost option across the line and the M-sport package is now cheaper. All-wheel-drive versions have now been fitted with 17-inch wheels with all-season tires as standard equipment.
The sedan has been given new headlights and a new grille, which give it a much more aggressive look than the outgoing model. Inside, a new steering wheel and revised center stack layout sets the new model apart from what was available in 2011.
The 328i has been given a new base engine for 2012. Last year's 230-horsepower 3.0L inline six has been replaced by a 240-horsepower 2.0L turbo inline 4-cylinder. The 335i continues to be available with the 300-horsepower 3.0L turbo inline 6-cylinder, and while a 6-speed manual is standard, an 8-speed automatic is now available. Other newly available options include hands-free parallel parking, which uses sensors to park the car automatically, and a surround-view monitor, which gives the driver a view of the vehicle from above, aiding in parking.

Competitive comparison

Several different body styles to choose from; great handling and steering; nice, well-controlled ride; available clean-diesel engine on sedan; new track-oriented 335is model; tight retractable hardtop setup for convertible

Special features for 2012

The BMW 3-Series is offered in more body styles than any other vehicle in its class, and with coupe, sedan, wagon or convertible variants, every buyer will be able to pick the one that fits them best. Across any of these models, the 3-Series has a refined, sophisticated feel combined with excellent steering and handling and smooth, responsive powertrains. Particularly of note are the 335is coupe, which combines the 300-hp turbocharged six and DCT transmission for the first time, and the 335d sedan, which can accelerate about as quickly and also returns a stunning 36 mpg highway. At the top of the range is the renowned M3, available in coupe, sedan and convertible form. A performance legend, the M3 represents one of the best performance values on the market today.